Prosecutors allege former first lady Kim Keon Hee accepted luxury gifts and bribes valued at about 377.25 million won (roughly $263,000), including designer bags, jewellery and a Lee Ufan painting. Authorities say she intervened in state affairs and colluded with the Unification Church; prosecutors seek a 15-year prison term and a two billion won fine. Kim denies the charges and will be sentenced on January 28. The case is entwined with broader political turmoil involving ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol.
South Korea's Former First Lady Allegedly Accepted Luxury Gifts Worth About $263,000; Prosecutors Seek 15-Year Term
Kim Keon Hee, the wife of disgraced ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol, was arrested in August (Chung Sung-Jun)(Chung Sung-Jun/POOL/AFP)
Prosecutors on Monday accused Kim Keon Hee, the former first lady of South Korea, of accepting lavish gifts and bribes — including fine art, designer handbags and jewellery — and of improperly intervening in state affairs. The investigation finds the alleged value of gifts and payments at roughly 377.25 million won (about $263,000).
Allegations and Evidence
Kim, who was arrested in August, remains under investigation on related allegations including stock manipulation and receiving gifts linked to the Unification Church. Prosecutors say the items allegedly received from businesses, politicians and church figures include two Chanel bags, a Graff necklace, luxury jewellery, a Dior handbag, a wristwatch and a painting by prominent South Korean minimalist artist Lee Ufan.
What Prosecutors Say
In announcing the conclusion of their probe, Prosecutor Min Joong-ki said South Korea's institutions were "severely undermined by abuses of power" attributed to Kim. Prosecutor Kim Hyung-geun added that she allegedly "illegally intervened in state affairs behind the scenes, beyond the public's view." Investigators estimate the total value of bribes at about 377.25 million won.
"Many find it difficult to accept" former president Yoon Suk Yeol's denial that he was aware of these transactions, Prosecutor Kim Hyung-geun told reporters.
Prosecutors' Demand
In early December, prosecutors asked the court to sentence Kim to 15 years in prison and to impose a fine of two billion won (about $1.4 million), saying she had "stood above the law" and colluded with the Unification Church in ways that undermined the constitutionally mandated separation of religion and state.
Defence and Context
Kim denies all charges. In her final testimony she called the accusations "deeply unjust," while also acknowledging, "Yet when I consider my role and the responsibilities entrusted to me, it seems clear that I have made many mistakes."
The scandal has wider political ramifications. Former president Yoon declared martial law last December in a brief attempt to suspend civilian rule, a move that sparked political turmoil. He was later removed from office and arrested this year on insurrection charges, which he denies — marking the first time a former South Korean president and his spouse were both detained.
Next Steps
A Seoul court is scheduled to sentence Kim on January 28. The proceedings and any subsequent appeals are likely to keep this case in the public eye as questions of corruption, the influence of religious organizations, and executive accountability continue to resonate in South Korean politics.
